🔗 Share this article Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over. But, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games. His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign. A Stunning Resurgence The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages. Yet, the statistics behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable. His six-match scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings. To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two distinct five-match streaks. And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019. What's Behind the Hot Streak? What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly. "He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time." That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team. Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space. "He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal." "I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result." His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition. World Cup Question Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up. The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship. Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard. "He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place." Intense Competition However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis. "If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted. "He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals." Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take. "I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."